A Cardiff University spin-out, TeloNostiX, is transforming the diagnosis of Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) through advanced telomere length analysis.
TBDs are rare, inherited conditions caused by premature telomere shortening, which can result in bone marrow failure, aplastic anaemia, cancer, and organ diseases. Despite affecting an estimated 1,000 people in the UK, many cases remain undiagnosed.
Using High-Throughput Single Telomere Length Analysis (HT-STELA), developed by Professor Duncan Baird’s team, TeloNostiX provides high-resolution, DNA-based telomere length tests. This innovative technology not only identifies TBD patients but also detects individuals with telomeres so short they face a five-fold greater mortality risk—a breakthrough in understanding telomere impact on life expectancy.
TeloNostiX’s ISO17025-accredited laboratory offers routine telomere testing for NHS centres across the UK, Europe, and beyond, delivering results within an average of six days. Clinicians have praised HT-STELA as the most accurate clinical assay for telomere measurement, enabling earlier and more informed diagnoses for patients.
Dr Kevin Norris, TeloNostiX Research Director Said: “ We believe that the accuracy, reproducibility, and rapid turnaround time for telomere length results enabled by HT-STELA technology represent a significant advancement in the clinical utility of telomere testing”
The company is now expanding its research into telomere-related insights for diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting the broader potential of telomere testing in clinical diagnostics.